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Derby graduate worked on Paddington film

A University of Derby graduate, Rob Garner, has taken another step in his movie-making career by bringing the childhood television favourite Paddington to the big screen.

The 30-year-old, who studied BA (Hons) Graphic Design at the University from 2002-2005, now works as a compositor for visual effects company Framestore, where he helped to make Paddington Bear a reality.

Rob now lives in Canada and is based at the British company’s Montreal office.

He said: “It’s been great being involved in such an amazing project like Paddington. His story is one I hold close to my heart as it’s one I grew up with as a child, so for many of us working on the film it was like a dream come true.

“As a compositor, I am generally at the very end of the post-production process, regarding making visual effects. It is my job to combine all the work generated from the other departments and make them look at photo-realistic as possible.”

Talking about his involvement in Paddington, Rob said: “My role was to essentially composite Paddington into the image and bring him to life in my shots, putting him in the real life environment and to help integrate him with everything he’s surrounded by and interacts with.”

It isn’t the first major film title Rob has been involved in. Earlier this year the visual effects team he worked with on blockbuster Gravity, won the Oscar for Best Visual Effects at the 86th Academy Awards. He also counts War Horse, Sherlock Holmes – A Game of Shadows and 47 Ronin as some of his most accomplished while at Framestore.

When he left Derby in 2005, Rob found work as a runner at a post-production facility in London before moving on to the BBC.

He explained: “This was a valuable experience for me as it gave me a real insight into how television programmes and films are made behind the scenes. It also gave me my first insight into the world of visual effects.

“I worked at the BBC for a short while in production but it didn’t take me long to realise where my heart really lies. After further training, I sent out my show-reel to potential employers in the hope that someone would give me my big break and offer me a job, which came when I got my current position with Framestore.”

He added: “I have many fond memories from Derby. I made some great friends at the university, several of which I’m still in contact with today, even though I’m now a long way from home.”